Light Bait Caster Setup

I'm looking for some recommendations on a lighter bait caster setup primarily for bass and perch. I have the two setups listed below. I'm looking for a third. I went down the rabbit hole of BFS fishing but I have a budget well below $500 and I don't need to throw 1-3g baits as I'm fishing for bass and perch. I was still considering a BFS reel on a light action rod, but not sure what combos might be good or bad together and what line choice might be best.

Please send help.

Current Setups:

UglyStick Medium with Lews Classic Pro Bait Caster - Bomb proof and taught me that I like bait casters a lot. Great for big pike and heavier baits. Can't really feel the bites and I feel like there's no finesse with bringing the fish in which has me concerned that I'm hurting them more than I need to. Casting smaller baits in areas with smaller fish feels pretty bad.

Shakespeare Micro Series with Shimano Sienna - Love the snappy action with lighter bait setups. I like that I feel like I need to be more conscious of drag and potential for line breakages. Don't really love the time it takes between casts and feel like I have less control over where the bait lands (could be that I just need more practice)